The South Island’s West Coast is wild and rugged, yet immensely beautiful. Wave-pounded coastlines, lush temperate rainforests, the island’s highest mountains and accessible glaciers all feature. The first settlers came in search of gold but now coal mining and increasingly, tourism are the region’s lifeblood.
Although only a small town, Greymouth is the main centre along the West Coast and provides a good, central base for exploring the region. It is the terminus for the TranzAlpine, a spectacular train journey across the Southern Alps from Christchurch considered to be one of the world’s great rail journeys.
Without doubt, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are the big lure of this region. The townships that have built up around the glaciers are small and quite parochial, but as a result of the influx of visitors over the years, they have developed into well-equipped resort towns, with a good choice of accommodation.
No two explorers are the same, so you have the freedom to craft your experience exactly how you want.
Trip ideas
-
South Island Solo Travellers Tour
New Zealand EscortedSpecially designed for solo travellers, share this comprehensive exploration of the South Island with fellow-adventurers.
From £3410 Excluding Flights
-
Hike and Drive New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveExplore with your own 4x4 and hike some of New Zealand's best backcountry trails.
From £4619
-
Discover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £4199
-
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
New Zealand Escorted RailExperience spectacular rail journeys and boat cruises on this escorted group tour.
From £5450 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand by Motorhome
New Zealand Self DriveThis motorhome itinerary offers you a wonderfully independent self-drive holiday.
From £2184
-
Spectacular North and South
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand in depth on this well-paced self-drive allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's plentiful wonders.
From £4666
-
Wildlife Encounters
New Zealand Self DriveTrack down New Zealand's endemic wildlife on this self drive nature tour.
From £5037 Excluding Flights
-
South Island Explorer
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand's South Island in-depth brimming with magnificent scenery and unique wildlife.
From £2321 Excluding Flights
-
Essential New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveThis 14-day itinerary is designed for the budget-conscious traveller wanting to experience the best of New Zealand at an affordable cost.
From £1858
Trip experiences
Accommodation ideas
Other New Zealand regions
-
Auckland
The most cosmopolitan of New Zealand’s cities, one fifth of Auckland’s one million inhabitants are of Polynesian descent.
-
Christchurch and Canterbury
From the lofty Southern Alps to the broad Canterbury Plains, the peaceful spa resort of Hanmer Springs to the bustle of the country’s most English of cities, Christchurch, this stunning region is one of contrast and diversity with experiences to match.
-
Dunedin and Southland
With an abundance of natural wonders that includes some of the best wildlife viewing in the country, the South Island’s southern tip can also lay claim to the most interesting architecture in the elegant and stately city of Dunedin.
-
Nelson and Marlborough
The gateway to South Island, this is a region of sunshine, wine, arts and crafts and stunning nature encompassing an area of superlative natural beauty. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or just those wanting a relaxing escape, this is a region not to be missed.
-
Northland
Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand’s only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors.
-
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast region includes both the most travelled and least visited parts of New Zealand incorporating the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, Eastland and Hawke’s Bay.
-
Rotorua and Central Plateau
In the geographic heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the immensely varied landscapes of this acclaimed region take in fertile farmlands, snow-capped volcanoes, steaming geothermal fields and crystal-clear trout-filled lakes.
-
Southern Lakes
This picturesque southern corner of New Zealand has achieved almost legendary status for its superb scenery and range of adrenaline-charged activities, including skiing.
-
Wellington and Wairarapa
Wellington is New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and is renowned for its arts and culture, proximity to nature and varied culinary experiences, perfectly complemented by the world class wines of the Wairarapa vineyards.
-
Western North Island
Taranaki is the North Island’s 'nose', a peninsula that juts out into the wild Tasman Sea. From its broad, flat plain, used mostly for dairy farming, the majestic volcanic cone of Mt. Taranaki rises to over 2500m.
